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Vote Your Ranking -If you have an opinion on this digital subject

There have been many statements made about this question here and on other forums stating differing opinions as which SQ is better :

 

1.-Red book CD

2.-Streamed High resolution files- i.e. Tidal/Qobuz

3.-Downloaded files purchased in Super Hi Res-Acoustic Sounds

4.-Red Book CDs ripped and stored for playback as files

 

Everyone may have an opinion on their preference

but is there any actual evidence of this? I suppose the only

way to produce evidence would be via blind testing and

survey results.

 

So please list in your preferred order the numbers

1,2,3,4  with the 1st being the best/ 4 the worst SQ 

 

Audiophiles may have an idea of their preference

but is there any actual evidence? I suppose the only

way to produce evidence would be via blind testing and

survey results. 

 

Does anyone have some hard facts as it relates to this query? 

 

Thank You.

 

chorus
blackbag20
454 posts
 

 

@orgillian197 

Concur

Honestly, I can't tell the difference between any of them ... all good!

surfmuz
399 posts
 

Probably, that kind of blind test would be only relevant if done on same level of class and same brand of source equipment however, my opinion, first place should be with High Res downloaded file.

ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz
273 posts
 

3 - 100% I enjoy listening to my HD tracks and can hear a difference in micro detail and depth and space over my stored WAV/AIFF versions

4 - My stored WAV and AIFF CD's sound fantastic and I prefer this over Tidal

2 - Streaming Tidal HiFi is very good, but I do this the least often at home with my main system, otherwise love it in my car.

1 - Don't have a CD player... N/A

Innuos Zenith MK3 with Phoenix USB Clock, Musetec MH-DA005, Technics SU-R1000, Parasound JC1+ amps, JBL L-100 75's, KEF KUBE 12b's dual

rajugsw
214 posts
 

1) DSD/SACD discs

2) 192 or 96kHz/24 Bit files and DVD-Audio/BluRay Discs

3)Red Book CD that’s been properly remastered/re-issued (e.g. 1994 Bob Ludwig Rolling Stones Collector’s Edition Atlantic Remasters/Re-Issues)

4) AmazonHD and Neil Young Archives Extreme Platform streaming

ghdprentice
6,963 posts
 

I looked at this question again and realized it is two questions, conflated. One of sound quality of different methods of reproducing a digital file. Second of the sound quality of different resolutions.

 

So first holding the file type constant at red book CD. You can purchase components where:

CDPlayer = Stored File = Streaming.

With today’s technology all three are the best they have ever been… amazingly satisfying.

If your system or experience has not shown this then if you swapped a component or two it could. The problem can be capability or the components you own are / were not tailored to the sound qualities you like… warmth or detail… etc.

As far as file resolution the higher the better in general. But, of course it is equipment dependent on how obvious the difference will be. Often mastering can make a bigger difference in the SQ. Typically the more detailed oriented the equipment the more obvious the difference the SQ due to file type is perceived.

More detail is not always good in a high end system. It is really easy to get so much you destroy the music and overly highlight the detail. One of the big challenges for most audiophiles is the get the balance right… with todays equipment greatly detailed and musical fully bloomed sound is possible. But as always… its going to cost you.

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